Paul Wheatley Mathew Whelan and Russell Robertson

[MadAsHell 4,217]

T D, that's the exact memory I went to.

And don't forget him falling over when he kicked it! The old Wheatley trademark.

I'd actually forgotten about that until you mentioned but now I remember. Couldn't have been a Wheatley moment without the slip as he kicked it!

[Doggo 32]

One particular game in 2002 stands out in my mind when talking abouts Wheaters. I think it was the week after Ox retired, when we went up to the Gabba to take on the reigning premiers, basically needing a win to keep our finals hopes alive... and against all odds we beat them in a ripping come from behind victory! (I think it may have also been the first year of our "home" games against the then-dominant Lions. A doozy that one was...)

Wheaters lined up at CHF, kicked a couple of goals and setup a few more, and almost single-handedly got us up*. I too thought after that match that we had found our future CHF, but i guess he was always too undersized and light to play that position. Fantastic game though, i think i have it on VHS lying around somewhere.

Agree with others here regarding the rubbishing and 'grading' of Wheaters. Very few doubt his time is up. But now, in the twilight of his career, is the time to look back and remember the good games and service he gave to the club. A bit of respect please.

(Same goes for all those bagging out Robbo)

EDIT: Just remembered, that day was also the 'arrival' of probably the most maligned player of the last ten years in Chris Lamb. I remember he towelled up Alistair Lynch, and looked so good. *Sigh*

Found the details of that match here: http://stats.rleague.com/afl/stats/games/2...1920020707.html

*Maybe not. Neitz kicked 7, and Daniel Ward 4 goals and 3 Brownlow votes!

[Jaded No More 68,975]

Poor treatment of a 10 year player (and now qualified life member) who gave honestly and unselfishly for MFC.

He deserves better than the disregard shown here

Agreed, and I hope Robbo does not receive the same bitter, pathetic sentiments that I've read in this thread, regardless of recent form.

Wheatley was never my favourite player, he was never the most talented, the bravest or the best leader, but he has given us 10 years of service, in which he struggled enormously with injury yet continued to represent our club in the most professional of manner.

So thanks Paul and best of luck in the future!

[Old Gregg 1]

Before we bring out more the whole bloody string orchestra, has this rumour even been confirmed?

If it is true, then thanks for the service, Wheaters.

[Redleg 41,952]

If true I wish Paul all the best in his life after footy and thank him for his contribution to the MFC.

To those on this site happy to trash any MFC player who was not as good as Robbie Flower, shame on you.

Not everyone can be a champion and to those who don't realize that, have a look in the mirror and see if you see a champion looking back.

The boys on our list do their best and if they are not good enough they will be moved on, they don't deserve to be trashed.

I look forward to the time when we can all just say thank you for the effort and good luck in the future.

[Real Demon 232]

Based on some of the comments here, there are some truly pathetic people supporting this club.

If Wheaters is to retire, then thanks for the memories Paul........it's been a pleasure watching you in the red & blue for the past 10 years!

A fantastic career, and one us mug supporters can only dream of!

All the best for the future!

[Slartibartfast 18,009]

Let me make this pretty clear. If there is a thread in recognition of a players retirement then those that want to should post thanks and good wishes. If you don't share those feelings DONT POST. Abusive and tasteless posts will not be tolerated.

Any poster who ignores this warning faces a one year ban.

Pretty simple really.

Thanks

Fan

[Real Demon 232]

Let me make this pretty clear. If there is a thread in recognition of a players retirement then those that want to should post thanks and good wishes. If you don't share those feelings DONT POST. Abusive and tasteless posts will not be tolerated.

Any poster who ignores this warning faces a one year ban.

Pretty simple really.

Thanks

Fan

Hear, hear!

[Don24 103]

jsut announced on footy show all retiring although Robbo is keeping options open....

[Jaded No More 68,975]

According to Hutchy, Wheatley and Whelan will hang up the boots at season's end, and Robbo has been told he won't be given a new contract but is keeping his options open at this stage.

Good luck to all three. This is a very sad end of an era!

[Real Demon 232]

According to Hutchy, Wheatley and Whelan will hang up the boots at season's end, and Robbo has been told he won't be given a new contract but is keeping his options open at this stage.

Good luck to all three. This is a very sad end of an era!

It is sad, all 3 have been fantastic servants of the club, and have had terrific careers.

[Skipper3 7]

According to everyone's fav person (Hutchy) on TFS, Wheats, Robbo & Wheels have all been informed that they will not be required next year.

According to Hutchy, Robbo was as late as today going to retire - but is now keeping his options open (i.e Bulldogs).

Please Russ - retire, I know you would love to play on - but, us mad Melbourne lovers here & everywhere dont want to see you in another club.

Thanks to all 3 - 3 great clubmen.

[Guest Rojik of the Arctic]

Thanks for the memories fellas. I will always look back at your time at the club with fondness and remember the great things you have done for us. Good luck with the next part of your lives.

[45HG 1,559]

I'm never going to the football ever again.

[pben 0]

Wheats reminds me of Nicho ( not in style , just circumstances) We got his best from him, and that's all we can ask for - great guy, great team man - all the best for the future.

Rubbishing him is pathetic - also the carp that Robbo is copping at times - these guys deserve our respect - they did the red and blue proud. As did Yze , Whitey and so many others - why do some Dees supporters have to be such ferals ?

PS - Remember, Wheats goes down in history as the first player to kick a super goal !!

[Old Gregg 1]

According to everyone's fav person (Hutchy) on TFS, Wheats, Robbo & Wheels have all been informed that they will not be required next year.

According to Hutchy, Robbo was as late as today going to retire - but is now keeping his options open (i.e Bulldogs).

Please Russ - retire, I know you would love to play on - but, us mad Melbourne lovers here & everywhere dont want to see you in another club.

Thanks to all 3 - 3 great clubmen.

I agree. I wouldn't be able to stand seeing Robbo in bulldogs colours. He has been a fantastic player for our club. I regret that he is delisted, I think he still has something to offer.

[Doggo 32]

No word on McDonald's future?

[Jaded No More 68,975]

I'm never going to the football ever again.

Neither am I

Ironic that we're both saying goodbye to our long time sentimental favourites, and we both happen to have fallen in love with Grimesy... I guess we better turn up to games for his sake. That poor kid is a complete dud and obviously has a poor kicking technique, so he really needs all the love he can get

[Doggo 32]

Geez Robbo, please go out with your dignity intact!

Would hate to see him in another clubs colours (not sure if anyone will want him either). I really hope he doesn't go down that path.

[Sir Why You Little 37,310]

According to everyone's fav person (Hutchy) on TFS, Wheats, Robbo & Wheels have all been informed that they will not be required next year.

According to Hutchy, Robbo was as late as today going to retire - but is now keeping his options open (i.e Bulldogs).

Please Russ - retire, I know you would love to play on - but, us mad Melbourne lovers here & everywhere dont want to see you in another club.

Thanks to all 3 - 3 great clubmen.

I agree Robbo, please don't wear another jumper. It's not Right. You are a Demon not a dog.

But it is your decision in the end.

Good Luck to all the boys, & i Hope the club always welcomes you Back, & you can Help our young recruits if they ever ask for advice..

GOOD LUCK.

[#MYHEARTBEATSTRUE 27]

1 moment about each of these blokes....

Robbo- Tweaker of the century vs Essendon to play finals in 04

Wheels- Smashing Hird

Wheatly- Super Goal Machine.....

[Deano74 156]

Its really a end of an era and start of another. Its sad to see players you have loved watching retire. But as one door closes another opens and its great to see Grimes, Morton, Bennell, Frawley, Jurrah, Watts on the other side.

[stueyspencer no12 73]

If Wheatley was one of our most important players it just showed why we never won The Big Important Games.

Wheatley never starred in big games. A Good ordinary player. He Tried i have no doubt but would never make a Top Side.

Wheatley never played well in big games? Rubbish! I recall a match in, perhaps 2006, against Essendon when Hird starred for about 20 minutes until Wheats was put onto him. Thereafter Hird's influence minimal and W kicked a goal himself from the HBF. On the way home we heard Hird say W was one of the hardest opponents around.

When we had a pretty good team, and we did play 2 rounds of finals in 2006, he was a bloody good player. Last year, admittedly a shocker for the club, he was 3rd in the Bluey was he not?

His season never got under way this year. I'd like him to play on another year. Young players benefit by playing, early in their career, alongside fellows such as Wheatley.

He doesn't have a single, serious chronic injury does he?

[Real Demon 232]

I say go for it Robbo............if he can get another year or two out of his body, and can get a gig with the Dogs, and more than likely play some finals, then why wouldn't he do it?

[Einstein 1]

I echo the sentiment that Robbo should accept his time is up. On exposed form this season, I can't see a club taking him on. I'd much prefer him to go out as a Demon than running around in another club's VFL side trying to get a game.

But if he gets lucky, then I'll be hoping he can be part of some success at another club. All the best to him.

Good luck to all three players in their future pursuits. Three guys that helped define the Daniher era. There were bad times, but there were some great times too and they were a part of it all.